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Sun June 7, 2026
Aurora, IL 60505 US Directions
Countdown to Race Day

Strides

5k

Price: $40
Time: 9:30AM CDT 1:00PM CDT
Price increases after May 27, 2026 at 5:59am CDT

Place

Phillips Park Main Pavilion
Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr.
Aurora, IL US 60505

Description

Walk. Run. Celebrate. Save Lives.

Join A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter for Makin’ Strides for Strays, a dog-friendly 5K walk/run and pet festival at Phillips Park in Aurora, Illinois. Whether you’re running, walking, or simply spending the day with fellow animal lovers and pups, every step helps support homeless animals in need.

Held at beautiful Phillips Park, this family-friendly event features a scenic 5K around Mastodon Lake followed by a lively outdoor festival with music, vendors, dog contests, food, games, and activities for all ages.

Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has placed over 50,000 animals into loving homes. Our dedicated staff and volunteers provide not only life-saving care, but also the compassion, enrichment, and respect every animal deserves.

Every dollar raised matters. Every dollar raised ensures A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter has the resources to care for and protect every animal that comes through our doors. Please consider giving what you can by donating, registering, or helping raise funds.
A.D.O.P.T. volunteers with shelter dog
Our volunteers and staff make Makin’ Strides for Strays possible 💙
 

What to Expect

🌿 Scenic 5k Course around Mastodon Lake
🎪 Family & Pet Festival with vendors, music, contests, games, and activities
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun: bring your pups along for the day
💙 Fundraising opportunities to help save even more lives 
Registration includes:
Strides t-shirt, A.D.O.P.T. bandana for pets in attendance, swag bag, and festival admission while supplies last.
There is no fee to attend the festival, but donations are encouraged!

Participate Virtually

Can’t attend in person? You can still participate virtually by walking or running in your own neighborhood on June 7, or by fundraising from anywhere to support A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.

Pricing & Packet Pick-Up
5K Day-of Registration: $45
Packet pick-up:
📍 Friday, June 5 at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter from noon–7:00 PM
📍 Race day beginning at 8:30 AM

Fundraise to Make an Even Bigger Impact 🐾

A.D.O.P.T. fundraising incentive items including tote, leash, stickers, and notepad
Earn exclusive A.D.O.P.T. gear and experiences as you fundraise.
$50 → Love Knows No Breed A.D.O.P.T. Sticker
$100 → Love Knows No Breed A.D.O.P.T. Foldable Tote
$250 → A.D.O.P.T. Adventure Leash
$500 → Love Knows No Breed Notepad + 🎨 Paw-casso Experience
$1,000 → Above items + your choice of:
📸 Pet Photo Session
🐾 Choose Their Day: shelter enrichment experience.

 

📣 Fundraiser Promotion Toolkit

Download graphics to help share your fundraiser on social media and encourage donations:

Simply download the image, upload it to your post, and include your personal fundraiser link. The more you share, the more lives you help save. 💙


5K Awards

First place awards to the top Male and Female finishers!

Medals will be awarded to the 1st & 2nd Male & Female 5K participants in these categories:

9 & under, 10–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70 & over.

📍 Event Location The festival takes place at Phillips Park Main Pavilion (Ray-Moses Drive). We will meet there before the 5K walk/run around Mastodon Lake Trail.

If you have trouble finding us, type "Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr" into your GPS.

Race Day Schedule


8:30 AM 📝 5K Registration Opens
9:00 AM 🍔 Food & Festival Fun in Full Swing – Enjoy food, vendors, games, and all activities
9:05 AM 💪 Fitness Warm-Up
9:30 AM 🏃‍♂️ 5K Walk/Run Begins
11:00 AM 🎈 Contests Begin – Pet-Owner Look-A-Like, Waggiest Tail, Best Trick, Quickest Clean Plate
12:45 PM 🎟️ Raffle & Giveaways
12:30–1:00 PM 👋 Closing & Final Activities

Course Map

Rottweiler Sponsor

Bulldog Sponsor

Chihuahua Sponsor

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Directions

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